The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547256
NOVEMBER 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 11 ❱ INSIDE MICHIGAN ATHLETICS Yes, Michigan will make it to the 24-win mark this season — barely By Chris Balas Now, there's a caveat here … if there are any more significant injuries, for example, we have the right to change our minds. But this is a very talented basketball team with an elite back- court led by perhaps the best point guard in the country in Elliot Cadeau. Sophomore point guard Trey McKenney is ready for a breakout season, and this is a very good coaching staff. Head coach Mike Boynton Jr. has grown tre- mendously as a coach since he arrived in Ann Arbor, and he learned from one of the best in Dusty May. We like the Wolverines to win 15 home games, splitting the Illinois and MSU affairs. That leaves nine more victories to pick up on the road or at neutral sites, and there are some very winnable games. We expect them to win three or four of the neutral site games, leaving five or six road wins to reach that 24-victory mark that triggers a guaranteed second year for Boynton. Rutgers, Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, one of UCLA or USC … there you go. That's our story, and we're sticking with it. But even if they don't make it, getting close enough should get Boynton a second year if there is modest tournament success. Michigan will fall short of the 24-win mark By Clayton Sayfie No, Michigan won't win 24 regular-season games, because it put together a challenging schedule and has to replace a ton of production, even if the roster is one of the best in the sport on paper. However, head coach Mike Boynton Jr. will hit other benchmarks that will trigger a guarantee in the second year of his "prove-it" contract. The other possibilities are finishing among the top four teams (including ties) in the Big Ten regular-season stand- ings, winning the Big Ten Tournament or reaching the Sweet 16. He has to accomplish two of the above, or make the Final Four, to get a guaranteed second year. Michigan has a tough road ahead, not only in the Big Ten but nonconference play. The Wolverines will take on UConn, Marquette, Villanova, Creighton and Louisville, along with two other TBD opponents at the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas the week of Thanksgiving. As a result, KenPom projects Michigan will fin- ish 19-11 overall (doesn't include two Players Era games). Bart Torvik's T-Rank, meanwhile, has the Wolverines going 20-10 in the same contests. Think of it, over the last 10 years, the Wolverines have won 24 regular-season games only three times — in 2025-26 (29), 2018-19 (26) and 2017-18 (24). ❱ POINT ❙ COUNTERPOINT ❰ WILL MICHIGAN BASKETBALL HIT THE 24-WIN MARK IN REGULAR SEASON? Senior guard Elliot Cadeau is one of the few returning players on U-M's new-look team charged with defend- ing a national championship. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL 100 Little Brown Jug Games Are in the Books Purchase this book on Actually, all one hundred battles for the Little Brown Jug are in one book! Barry Gallagher's newest book fully documents the Michigan vs. Minnesota football rivalry that began in 1892. Although this game has lost some luster over the years, it is still important. From 1896 until 1946, this annual game was "The Game" in college football! Gallagher's newest book tells the complete story about how a thirty-cent drinking container became the centerpiece of a legendary gridiron rivalry. Barry Gallagher's work covers every "jug" game between Minnesota and Michigan starting in 1909. It is packed with stories, stats, and timeless photographs, and images. When you finish reading this book, you will know why the Little Brown Jug became so famous and so valued by these historic rivals and fans. Michigan football author, collector, and historian, Ken Magee says, "This book is the ultimate compendium for this historic rivalry." Barry Gallagher is a best-selling author and lifelong Maize and Blue football fan. He is the author "record holder" for the most books about Michigan football with nine. Go Blue! Check him out at: gobluefootballhistorian.com